The Forum - An LA Lakers Podcast

The Forum discusses the Lakers signing Dwight Howard, and what he can bring to the table this season. The guys also touch on Kyle Kuzma's departure from the USA National Team and finish off by sharing their favorite Kobe memories in honor of Mamba Day.

The Forum podcast is BACK from a brief hiatus amidst the lull of the off-season to catch up on everything Lakers. Ric, Raj, and Ali discuss the fallout from DeMarcus Cousins' devastating ACL tear before discussing the Lakers' potential replacement options, then end by analyzing the recently released schedule for next season. Along the way, the guys return to their roots of fast food takes while also somehow defending both Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard along the way.

Free agency is over. The Lakers' roster is set. Kawhi and Paul George are Clippers. The Forum returns from a brief hiatus after a wild start to July to discuss the madness that occurred, and the guys discuss their favorite moments in free agency, both for the Lakers and beyond.

The Forum discussed the Lakers surprise participation in the draft and also what the value was extracted from the fourth pick the team originally had. After that, the guys look ahead to June 30th and examine the Lakers' prospects in free agency, discussing the likelihood of a D'Angelo Russell reunion before giving predictions on the landing spots for the rest of the big names in free agency.

The trade has been completed. Goodbye to Lonzo, Brandon, and Josh. Hello to Anthony Davis. The Forum reacts to the blockbuster trade that's been four months in the making, and what that means for the Lakers past, present, and future.

Anthony Davis trade talks are back on the menu, so the guys re-assess what it would take for the Lakers to snag AD from the Pelicans. The Lakers, however, have their own business to handle, with Jason Kidd being made the highest-paid assistant coach in the league and Lavar Ball returning to Fox Sports 1 since we all missed him so much. Ric, Raj, and Ali discuss those topics, but first talk Finals after last night's triage/Game 3 and also some new food takes.

Another day. Another Lakers hit piece. The Forum records the 1,029th (estimation) emergency podcast of the show's history to discuss Baxter Holmes' Lakers 2.0 article on ESPN, where we learn more about the Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka's tumultuous tenure working in tandem at the helm of the team's front office. From more of Rob's gratuitous storytelling to Magic's impulsive and intimidating management style, the Forum plays fact or fiction of some of the stories in Holmes' piece.

The Forum breaks down all the events of what will now be known as Black Monday in Lakers' circles, as Magic Johnson headed to First Take to warn us all of the betrayal of Pelinka on the same day the team announces Frank Vogel as the next head coach. The guys discuss the media fallout from the two press conferences, but also try to actually talk about basketball (like, on-court basketball), as they parse through some of the nuggets that Coach Vogel dropped regarding his basketball philosophies.

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than smart. The Forum reacts to the Lakers jumping up SEVEN spots to the fourth pick in the NBA Draft. Ric, Raj, and Ali discuss the likelihood of an Anthony Davis trade with this new asset, and the odds of the 4th pick ever playing for the Lakers. Along the way, the guys review the options for the other three teams that make up the top four slots in the draft, and also talk about where to get the best cookies, other dessert treats, and the Austin Powers movies. PLEASE NOTE: We had some technical difficulties, so the pod ends slightly abruptly at around the 45 minute mark due to some lost audio.

The Forum reacts to Frank Vogel being hired as the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the polarizing Jason Kidd serving as his number 2 guy. Ric, Raj, and Ali break down what Vogel's hiring says about Jeannie and where the Lakers are positioned for the near future. The guys also discuss what Houston and Boston have to look forward to after their respective playoff eliminations.